PTI postpones Lahore rally after authorities deny permission despite court order

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has postponed its planned rally in Lahore, which was set for August 27, following the local administration's refusal to grant permission, despite directives from the Lahore High Court (LHC). 

This marks the second time in less than a week that the party has had to defer a major event, having previously postponed a rally in Islamabad.

PTI's Punjab Information Secretary Shaukat Basra said that the party will seek permission from the LHC to hold the rally after their Islamabad event. 

“We are currently focusing on the public gathering in Islamabad, scheduled for September 8,” Basra said. “Following that, we intend to organise a rally in Lahore. We also plan to file a contempt of court petition against the administration in the LHC,” he added.

The PTI initially planned the Islamabad rally for July to apply pressure for founder Imran Khan’s release from prison, following his arrest over a year ago. 

However, the event was rescheduled for August 22, only to be postponed again after the Islamabad chief commissioner cited security concerns and limited resources as reasons for denying permission.

Since Khan's arrest last August on multiple charges, the PTI has faced significant challenges in organising public events. Although higher courts have overturned his convictions in four cases, new charges have kept Khan behind bars.